Pedestal cover for pedestal style seating

ABSTRACT

A protective and stylized cover for the pedestal of a pedestal style seat is presented which comprises an outer sheath into which indicia is through-cut, an inner sheath which slides into the outer sheath and provides a backdrop for the through-cut indicia, and sizing fittings which fit into the outer sheath at each end to provide a snug fit on the seat pedestal. Optionally, end caps may be employed to provide additional stability.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit and priority date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/757,447, filed Jan. 9, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to covers that protect, beautify, and individualize the pedestal of a seat and, more particularly, to a seat pedestal cover in which customizing indicia is through-cut the cover outer sheath and the body of the device is adapted to receive multiple size seat pedestals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pedestal seats are those in which a single pedestal extends vertically from a floor with a seat attached to the upper end of the pedestal. In many cases, this type of seating is designed to be adjustable in height and the seat will swivel. Also, while in most cases the seat and pedestal unit are permanently mounting to a floor, the pedestal may be mounted to a moveable base. The use of pedestal seats are often an aesthetic decision, other times they are used for convenience and in yet other cases they are used for their utilitarian aspects.

Pedestal seats are used in many settings such as restaurants, recreational vehicles, and boats. The use of pedestal seats is widespread in boats. In this setting, pedestal seats offer particular advantage in that they can be mounted securely to the boat flooring thereby increasing boater safety and they will swivel thereby offering optimal visual and comfort attributes in what is usually limited space. Fishing boats almost exclusively employ the use of pedestal seats wherein one or more seats is mounted, usually on a riser, in such a manner that the fisherman can easily swivel about while fishing from one side or the other of the boat.

The pedestals themselves are traditionally of utilitarian design with maximum strength and durability the chief concern of the manufacturer. In doing so, pedestals can be unsightly and, in the case of an out doors environment such as those encountered on boats, the pedestal is subjected to the elements and can deteriorate rapidly, showing signs of rusting or other signs of decay quickly.

Moreover, many boaters spend a great deal of money and time on their boats and take pride in the looks of them and, especially in the case of performance boats, like to display the type or make of the boat or other feature regarding the boat, such as its name. Also, from a manufacturing standpoint, in this day and age of placing logos on virtually every surface, the seat pedestal offers a unique heretofore neglected opportunity for advertising or displaying a feature of the boat or its owner.

There is need, therefore, for a pedestal seat pedestal cover which offers protection to the pedestal, can be individualized to owner or manufacturer requirements or desires, is economical to produce and easy to install, and can be used with varying diameters of pedestals. The present invention provides such a pedestal cover.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which protects a seat pedestal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover on which indicia can be placed to individualize or highlight a desired feature.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which is easy to install.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which fits snuggly against a pedestal and, further, is adapted for use with pedestals of different diameters.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pedestal cover which economical to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are provided for in the disclosed pedestal cover. According to the invention, the preferred embodiment comprises an outer sheath, an inner sheath, sizing fittings, and end caps. The outer sheath is of a predetermined length and thickness and, further, has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Indicia are through cut the entire thickness of the outer sheath. The inner sheath is of a predetermined length shorter than that of the outer sheath, has an inner diameter and an outer diameter and is sized to fit within the outer sheath. The inner sheath is placed into the outer sheath and positioned to provide a backdrop to the through cut indicia, thereby highlighting the indicia and helping to seal the interior of the inventive apparatus.

The sizing fittings are of a design such that they fit securely within the inner diameter of the outer sheath and include features, such as those seen in a wisker fitting, or disk brush fitting, that enable the inventive device to receive pedestals of different diameters. End caps having an open center portion to receive a pedestal are placed at either end of the outer sheath to provide additional stability, additional protection from the elements, and a finished look.

In use, the inventive apparatus outer sheath has the desired indicia through cut is thickness and the apparatus is assembled. Once the inventive apparatus is assembled, it is slid over a pedestal free end and positioned so that the indicia are in view with the sizing fittings holding the inventive device in secure position.

There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the invention.

For non-limiting example, malleable foam may be used in place of a wisker fitting in the sizing fitting, or the sizing fitting as a separate piece may be eliminated and the sizing feature and function may be contained within the inner diameter of the inner sheath.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions in so far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the US patent and trademark office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from what cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way.

These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded front view of the inventive apparatus illustrating the various pieces making up the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cut away perspective view of the inventive apparatus without end caps.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment sizing fitting.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an assembled inventive apparatus with end caps.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inventive apparatus receiving a pedestal.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the inventive apparatus in position on a pedestal with a seat secured to the pedestal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Turning to FIG. 1, inventive apparatus 20 is seen in an exploded format. Outer sheath 22 is a hollow member having a first end 24 and a second end 26. The preferred embodiment utilizes a cylindrical outer sheath 22. However, the shape of the outer sheath 22 is not critical and may be of any shape, such as elliptical or square. Outer sheath 22 is preferable made of cold rolled steel but can be made of any strong, durable material into which indicia can be through cut its thickness. Non-limiting examples of other suitable materials include aluminum or plastic.

While the size, i.e., outer sheath inner diameter 28 and outer sheath outer diameter 30 (shown in FIG. 2) is not critical, they must be of a size to contain inner sheath 32 (described in more detail below) and receive pedestal 34. The inventor has found that an outer sheath comprising a 2.5 inches OD and a 0.049 inches wall thickness works best, although sizes of an outer diameter ranging in size from about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches and a wall thickness ranging in size from about 0.03 inches to about 0.075 inches may be used. The diameter and thickness ranges are not meant to be limiting or critical. Any diameter or thickness may be used and is dependent upon the application for apparatus 20 and the manufacturing capabilities of the manufacturer.

Indicia 36 are through cut the entire wall thickness A (shown in FIG. 2). The indicia can be through cut in any conventional manner, such as lasering or stamping. Indicia 36 offer the ability to customize inventive apparatus 20 with any wording or design that suits a manufacturer or owner. In the case of boats, the indicia may include, for example, the name of the boat manufacturer, the name of the boat itself, a product logo, or a unique design. The indicia can be of any nature. Once indicia 36 is through cut onto outer sheath 22, outer diameter 30 is finished fro aesthetic purposes. For example, in the case of clod rolled steel, it may be triple chrome plated.

Inner sheath 32 is a hollow member having a shape corresponding to that of outer sheath 22 and of a length shorter than outer sheath 22. Inner sheath 32 further comprises an inner sheath first end 38 and an inner sheath second end 40. Inner sheath outer diameter B (shown in FIG. 2) is of such a size that it will fit snuggly and securely within outer sheath 22. Any commercially acceptable size and thickness will do. For example, in the case of an outer sheath comprising a 2.5 inch OD and a 0.049 inch wall thickness, an inner sheath having a 2.375 inch OD and a 2.185 inch ID works best. Inner sheath 32 can be made of any suitable durable material but the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of PVC for the reason that it is strong, lightweight and comes in a variety of colors.

Inner sheath 32 is placed within outer sheath 22 by inserting inner sheath second end 40 into outer sheath first end 24 and positioning inner sheath 32 so that it provides a backdrop to indicia 36, highlighting indicia 36 through the use of inner sheath 32 color. In addition to providing aesthetic appeal to apparatus 20, inner sheath 32 provides additional stability and protection in that it seals the interior of apparatus 20 from the elements. While the preferred embodiment contemplates an inner sheath that is a complete cylinder or other selected shape, inner sheath 32 can also be a sectional piece that is positioned and secured over through cut indicia 36. For example, inner sheath 32 may be a half cylinder or in the case of a square outer sheath 22, inner sheath 32 may be but one side of the square. The important feature is that it covers through cut indicia 36.

Once inner sheath 32 is positioned, sizing fittings 42, 44 are inserted into outer sheath 22 by placing sizing fitting 42 into outer sheath first end 24 and sizing fitting 44 into outer sheath second end 26. Sizing fittings 42, 44 serve two functions: securing inner sheath 32 and enabling the use of apparatus 20 with a variety of different sized and shaped pedestals. Securing inner sheath 32 in outer sheath 22 is accomplished, in the preferred embodiment, through the use of a compression fitting 46 (FIG. 3) feature of sizing fittings 42, 44. While a compression fitting is used in the preferred embodiment, other means may be employed, for non-limiting example, a threaded member, an expansion bushing, or a welded member. To enable apparatus 20 to be used with a variety of different size pedestal 34 diameters, sizing fittings 42, 44 comprise flexible horizontally directed members 48 which fit snuggly and securely against pedestal 34. The preferred embodiment contemplates use of a wisker fitting, or disk brush, but the manner in which apparatus 20 is held snuggly against pedestal 34 is not critical.

Moreover, sizing fittings 42, 44 may be eliminated as separate pieces. In an alternative embodiment, the sizing function may be accomplished through the use of the inner sheath. In this embodiment, the inner sheath is lined with a flexible material, such as foam, which will enable apparatus 20 to be used with differing diameters of pedestals.

Turning to FIG. 2, a cut away perspective view of an assemble apparatus 20 is shown. Outer sheath 22 has indicia 36 through cut its thickness A. Inner sheath 32 is positioned within outer sheath 22 and flexible horizontally directed members 48 are fit snuggly and securely against pedestal 34.

Once inner sheath 32 and sizing fittings 42, 44 are positioned within outer sheath 22, the preferred embodiment contemplates the use of end caps 48, 50. While optional, end caps 48, 50 provide a finished look to apparatus 20 and add additional stability and protection to pedestal 34. End caps 48, 50 can be made of any material such as rolled steel or PVC. The inventor has found that the use of PVC is best in that it is inexpensive to produce, is easy to install, glues into place easily, and provides flexibility that that harder materials do not, which is advantageous in providing additional protection to pedestal 34 if apparatus 20 is knocked into. Each of end caps 48, 50 contain an opening 52, 54 in its center to permit pedestal 34 to slide though apparatus 20 outer sheath 22, sizing fittings 42, 44, and inner sheath 32. Opening 52, 54 should be sized to accept pedestals of varying diameters without obstructing the function of sizing fittings 42, 44.

Turning to FIG. 4, an assembled apparatus 20 is shown. Outer sheath 22 has indicia 36 through cut its thickness with inner sheath 32 being seen through the through cut indicia 36. Sizing fittings 42, 44 (44 not shown) are positioned within outer sheath 22 and end caps 48, 50 are secured into place.

Turning to FIG. 5, a view of apparatus 20 receiving pedestal 34 is shown in the preferred embodiment. Seat 56 (shown in FIG. 6) is removed from the pedestal top 58 and pedestal top 58 is then inserted into end cap opening 54. Pedestal 34 is then slid through the length of outer sheath 22, passing through sizing fitting 44, inner sheath 32, sizing fitting 42, and end cap opening 52. Once apparatus 20 is positioned, seat 56 is attached with apparatus 20 in assembled and installed position as depicted in FIG. 6.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the preferred and alternative embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1) A pedestal cover comprising: a hollow outer sheath having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness and is made of a material in which indicia can be through cut its thickness; a hollow inner sheath having a first end and a second end and further being sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer sheath; a first sizing fitting and a second sizing fitting, the first sizing fitting and the second sizing fitting being sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer sheath and adapted to receive a variety of different diameter pedestals; and, a first end cap and a second end cap adapted to fit in the first end and second end, respectively, of the outer sheath and adapted to receive a pedestal. 2) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the outer sheath material is selected from the group of steel, aluminum, and plastic. 3) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the outer sheath has an outer diameter ranging in size from about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. 4) The outer sheath of claim 3 wherein the outer diameter is 2.5 inches. 5) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the outer sheath has a wall thickness ranging in size from about 0.03 inches to about 0.075 inches. 6) The outer sheath of claim 5 wherein the wall thickness is 0.049 inches. 7) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the inner sheath is made of PVC. 8) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the inner sheath has an outer diameter ranging from about 2.0 inches to 2.5 inches OD and an ID ranging from about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches. 9) The inner sheath of claim 8 wherein the OD is 2.375 inches and the ID is 2.185 inches. 10) The pedestal cover of claim 1 wherein the first sizing fitting and the second sizing fitting adapted to receive a variety of different diameter pedestal comprise a disk brush fitting. 11) A pedestal cover comprising: a hollow outer sheath having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness and is made of a material in which indicia can be through cut its thickness; a hollow inner sheath having a first end and a second end and further being sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer sheath; and, a first sizing fitting and a second sizing fitting, the first sizing fitting and the second sizing fitting being sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer sheath and adapted to receive a variety of different diameter pedestals. 12) The pedestal cover of claim 11 further comprising a first end cap and a second end cap adapted to fit in the first end and second end, respectively, of the outer sheath and adapted to receive a pedestal. 13) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the outer sheath material is selected from the group of steel, aluminum, and plastic. 14) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the outer sheath has an outer diameter ranging in size from about 2.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. 15) The outer sheath of claim 14 wherein the outer diameter is 2.5 inches. 16) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the outer sheath has a wall thickness ranging in size from about 0.03 inches to about 0.075 inches. 17) The outer sheath of claim 16 wherein the wall thickness is 0.049 inches. 18) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the inner sheath is made of PVC. 19) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the inner sheath has an outer diameter ranging from about 2.0 inches to 2.5 inches OD and an ID ranging from about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches. 20) The inner sheath of claim 19 wherein the OD is 2.375 inches and the ID is 2.185 inches. 21) The pedestal cover of claim 11 wherein the first sizing fitting and the second sizing fitting adapted to receive a variety of different diameter pedestal comprise a disk brush fitting. 22) A pedestal cover comprising: an outer sheath having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness and is made of a material in which indicia can be through cut its thickness; an inner sheath having a first end and a second end and further being sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer sheath and further being adapted to receive a variety of different diameter pedestals. 23) The pedestal cover of claim 22 further comprising a first end cap and a second end cap adapted to fit in the first end and second end, respectively, of the outer sheath and adapted to receive a pedestal. 24) A protective and stylized cover for the pedestal of a pedestal style seat comprising an outer sheath into which indicia can be through-cut, an inner sheath which slides into at least a portion of the outer sheath, and at least one sizing member. 25) The protective and stylized cover for the pedestal of a pedestal style seat of claim 24 further comprising at least one end cap adapted to receive a pedestal. 